Naughty Noodle Fun Haus is set to launch a transformative arts and culture program for young people living on the Central Coast aged 12-24 with a focus on diverse identities and abilities.
Supported by the Australian Government Department of Social Services, the Young, Authentic and Social Program (YAAS!) aims to empower participants, develop personal resilience and leadership skills and build community ties, friendships and connections.
This will be achieved through activations, hang outs, events, performance, creative workshops and celebrations as well as ongoing fortnightly drop-ins for 12–17-year-olds.
Youth Engagement – Senior Youth worker and Producer, Carlee Heise, will lead the program and said 66 per cent of LGBTQIA+ youth in Australia still experience bullying based on their identity.
They are 12 times more likely to experience depression due to this harassment.
Multiple LGBTIQ Youth suicides across the Central Coast last year alone were directly attributed to bullying and solidified the need for a focused and a collaborative federal, state and local approach which focuses on marginalised youth not as a tack on program but as the spotlight for building resilience, connection and networks, Heise said.
Working with Police, Headspace, GNL and PCYC – YAAS! will reinforce the transformative impact of empowering regional young people to explore and express their unique creative identity.
Everyone is welcome including friends, family, and allies.
Heise is returning home to the Central Coast for the role.
She is a performance-maker and youth worker, passionate about amplifying young people’s voices.
She has nurtured young artists through her work at Shopfront Arts in South Sydney, and has supported youth experiencing homelessness in crisis and transitional housing at Project Youth in the Sutherland Shire.
“I am delighted to be leading the YAAS! Program,” she said.
“I spent my youth living in regional NSW, and I know how significant a safe and welcoming space like YAAS! would have been for me.
“YAAS! is here to uplift and empower young people, proudly shining a light and giving voice to marginalised youth.
YAAS! will soft launch with a drop-in on R U OK? Day, September 8.
Rainbow young people and allies aged 12-17 are invited to join Heise for artmaking, music and snacks.
It will be held from 4-6pm at 200 Mann St, Gosford (in front of Gosford station).
The event is free but young people must register to attend at https://naughtynoodle.com.au/yaas.
Source:
Media release, Aug 29
Naughty Noodle Fun Haus